The painter Charles Burchfield kept a journal for most of his life, from 1909, when he was sixteen, to 1966, a year before his death. He filled some ten thousand pages—seventy-two notebooks containing an assortment of newspaper clippings, sketches, doodles, and notations alongside written reflections on his daily life and the natural world. Still, looking […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/03/19/an-orchard-for-a-dome-charles-burchfield/
The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett is the first novel in The Damsels of Discovery series, a romantic historical featuring a Victorian apothecary. It’s got mystery, family, romance and more to delight those who enjoy women-in-stem and strong feminist themed historical romance.
The Love Remedy
by Elizabeth Everett
Series: The Damsels of Discovery #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
When a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.
When Lucinda Peterson’s recently perfected formula for a salve to treat croup goes missing, she’s certain it’s only the latest in a line of misfortunes at the hands of a rival apothecary. Outraged and fearing financial ruin, Lucy turns to private investigator Jonathan Thorne for help. She just didn’t expect her champion to be so . . . grumpy?
A single father and an agent at Tierney & Co., Thorne accepts missions for a wide variety of employers—from the British government to wronged wives. None have intrigued him so much as the spirited Miss Peterson. As the two work side by side to unmask her scientific saboteur, Lucy slips ever so sweetly under Thorne’s battered armor, tempting him to abandon old promises.
With no shortage of suspects—from a hostile political group to an erstwhile suitor—Thorne’s investigation becomes a threat to all that Lucy holds dear. As the truth unravels around them the cure to their problems is they must face the future together.
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This was a grumpy meets sunshine romance that began slowly, but eventually pulled me in. I admit to not reading the synopsis beyond “a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.”
While the romance was central to the story, I quickly became wrapped up in the stolen croup formula, the shop and the family that lies within. Lucinda Peterson has the weight of her family on her mind. Since she runs the apothecary and their future. She worries for her patients and is angry at herself for being duped by a lover who stole her formula for throat lozenge. When she discovers her croup formula missing, she suspects he stole from her again. Angered, she hires private investigator Jonathan Thorne. She offers him and his daughter an apartment on the third floor of the shop, and he agrees to solve the mystery and check her accounts.
The tale that unfolded was filled with discussions and discourse over women in science and family issues. Her sister wants her married and her brother is always off chasing some new scheme. I loved the interactions, the shop and remedy talks. There is also a lot of tension caused by men believing woman have no business in medicine.
I enjoyed the different aspects of the story, but loved the romantic moments between Lucinda and Jonathan. Jonathan has secrets and has put his daughter above all else. I loved the growth in both characters and the sizzling chemistry. Slowly but surely, Lucinda gets under the armor of our grumpy hero.
The Love Remedy was a solid start to the series, and I look forward to the next installment.
Amazon | Audible
Elizabeth Everett lives in upstate New York with her family. She likes going for long walks or (very) short runs to nearby sites that figure prominently in the history of civil rights and women’s suffrage. Her Secret Scientists of London series is inspired by her admiration for rule breakers and belief in the power of love to change the world.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/the-love-remedy-by-elizabeth-everett.html
Becoming Forever Families, by Robert Callaway, is a compelling and emotive exploration of faith, resilience, and the bonds of family, set against the backdrop of Latter-day Saint beliefs. Callaway adeptly weaves a narrative that is both personal and universal, delving deep into the lives of the Wilkinson family as they navigate the complexities of modern life while clinging steadfastly to their faith.
At the heart of this narrative is Sarah Wilkinson’s journey, a poignant portrayal of a mother’s strength and vulnerability. Her story of finding love with Wayne Spencer and their subsequent decision to marry in the LDS temple is told with a sincerity that resonates with anyone who has experienced love later in life. The author’s depiction of their spiritual connection and shared values adds depth to their relationship, making it a central pillar of the story.
The character of Ethan Wilkinson, who grapples with Asperger’s Syndrome, is particularly noteworthy. His growth throughout the story is both inspiring and heartening, illustrating the power of familial support and personal determination. The way Callaway addresses Ethan’s challenges and achievements is sensitive yet realistic, avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplification.
Another compelling aspect of the book is its exploration of mortality through the character of David, Sarah’s father. His declining health and eventual passing are handled with a delicate balance of realism and faith. The impact of his life and death on his family poignantly underscores the novel’s central theme of eternal families in the LDS faith. While the book is deeply rooted in Latter-day Saint theology, its themes of love, loss, and familial bonds are universal. However, readers not familiar with LDS beliefs might find some theological discussions and specific practices less relatable. Despite this, the emotional core of the story remains accessible. Callaway’s narrative style is straightforward and heartfelt. His approach to storytelling is unpretentious, which makes the book a comforting read. The dialogues, I feel, sometimes read as a bit didactic, especially when expounding on religious beliefs, but they also provide valuable insights into the LDS perspective.
Becoming Forever Families is a touching and thought-provoking novel that offers readers both within and outside the Latter-day Saint community a window into the joys and trials of adhering to one’s faith in the contemporary world. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family and faith, no matter the challenges life presents.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0CHD8RD19
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/becoming-forever-families/
Run, by Christy Cooper-Burnett, is an action-packed contemporary novel that immerses its readers in the harrowing life of Kendra Thompson, a nurse and single mother. The plot thickens dramatically when her son, Kyle, becomes an unintended witness to a gang crime, thrusting them both into imminent danger. This novel echoes the tension and intrigue of classic thrillers, where survival is contingent on outwitting pursuers.
Set in a modern American setting, Cooper-Burnett skillfully merges the urgency of a high-stakes chase with the mental strain of being relentlessly pursued. The author’s adept storytelling grips the reader from the onset, employing a rapid pace and convincingly realistic characters. A distinctive feature of this novel is its exploration of the gang’s ties to influential figures, a development that not only elevates the risks involved but also challenges the protagonists’ reliance on the justice system for safety. The journey of Kendra and Kyle, navigating through perilous and unpredictable circumstances, is engaging and maintains suspense throughout.
Cooper-Burnett demonstrates a talent for sustaining a tense atmosphere, underscored by a pervasive fear of the unknown. The alternating perspectives of mother and son add depth to the narrative, offering varied viewpoints that enrich the plot. The characters’ unwavering uprightness amidst the story’s darker elements effectively injects moments of humanity and relief into the narrative, which is otherwise marked by continuous tension. This contrast serves to retain the reader’s engagement, offering a balanced rhythm that prevents desensitization to the story’s swift developments.
Run is not exclusively for aficionados of the thriller genre but is equally inviting for newcomers intrigued by such storytelling. The novel presents a riveting combination of unceasing action and intricate ethical quandaries, marking it as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0CW1GGG38
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/run/
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches follows a struggling witch who can not seem to master even the simplest spells or enchantments, so she returns to Witches School. What inspired your story?
The women in my life in particular my mom inspired the character of Ms. Witch. She had a knack for failure but she never gave up. She sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer but was always after me to do something with my art. I like to think she would be very proud of the book and get a chuckle out of the similarities.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
So much pressure is put on children to succeed and to win. I wanted to create a story that shows children it is ok to fail. We all do, but good things happen when we keep trying and don’t give up.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to use hand-drawn illustrations, and I wanted the book to have an old-school feel. Again, the theme of failure and that it’s ok to fail, just don’t give up. Another idea is that when you use your talents and gifts to do good things, you truly never fail.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book in the series. I have three stories planned and just finished the second book. You will get to see more of the castle and meet a fun new character. Something unexpected happens in the second book. Ms. Witch has to face a couple of new obstacles.
Author Interview: Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/it-is-ok-to-fail/